Liberals pledge $20 million for northern hospice

 

A re-elected Federal Liberal Government will invest up to $20 million to establish a dedicated palliative care hospice for northern Tasmania.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said she has worked closely and diligently with the Tasmanian Liberal Government to ensure the community can access quality health care in the right place at the right time.

"Like many northern Tasmanians I see the need for quality end-of-life care for our region," Mrs Archer said.

"Our community has acutely felt the loss of the type of palliative care choice provided by Philip Oakden House which was forced to close its doors more than a decade ago. n Liberal Government to ensure the community can access quality health care in the right place at the right time.

"Like many northern Tasmanians I see the need for quality end-of-life care for our region," Mrs Archer said.

"Our community has acutely felt the loss of the type of palliative care choice provided by Philip Oakden House which was forced to close its doors more than a decade ago.

"I strongly believe northern Tasmanians deserve this choice and I pay tribute to the Friends of Northern Hospice for their dedicated and tireless advocacy over many years.

"As a community advocating for wider choice in palliative care, I know people have been disappointed at some previous empty promises.

"In my discussions with stakeholders, I have been very clear that this commitment we've announced today will only be achievable with the cooperation of the state government, so I have worked tirelessly to secure the necessary collaboration to take this forward.

"We've seen in recent weeks a cynical attempt by Labor to announce funding which they should well know is inadequate to achieve this important project."

The Tasmanian Government will utilise the $20 million investment to establish a dedicated hospice centre in northern Tasmania with the model of care for a new service, including location, to be informed by the State's clinical service planning.